She says many who were present for today’s official proclamation were visibly emotional.

“It’s always unofficially been Little Italy. So to see the banners, to know that there will be crosswalks that are painted green white and red. To know that this is a place that is going to be officially celebrated, many people were in tears.”

Banners are now flying on the the strip, which joins other cultural hubs like Chinatown and Little Saigon.

Organizers estimate the event, which combines food, music, and performance with Italian culture draws about 300,000 people to Commercial Drive.